How to Make a Palapa Umbrella

Dried palm fronds are used to make palapa umbrellas.

Thatching is made by tying together or weaving palm leaves. Palm leaves, also called fronds, are often used to make decorative roofs on tiki huts, tiki bars and palapas. The thatching made from fronds can also be used to make a palapa umbrella. These types of umbrellas are expensive items but you can make one at home. It is a simple task but it can be time-consuming.

Things You'll Need

• Palm leaves
• Twine
• Pruning shears
• Wood patio umbrella
• Utility knife
• Silicone sealant

Instructions

1. Lay the palm leaves in a single layer on a flat surface in a warm area where they will not be exposed to rain. Let the fronds dry for at least one week.

2. Arrange the dried fronds on a flat surface so that they all face the same direction. Place the ends of the leaves over each other to form a circle. Weave twine over the end of one leaf and under the next and tie a knot. Continue weaving the twine under and over the ends of the leaves until you reach the first leaf.

3. Arrange a second layer of dried fronds on top of the first layer. The leaves must face the same direction as the first layer. Place the ends of the leaves over each other to form a circle. Weave twine over the end of one leaf and under the next and tie a knot. Continue weaving the twine under and over the ends of the leaves until you reach the first leaf in the second layer.

4. Weave twine in and out of the first and second layers to secure the second layer of fronds to the first layer. Tie the twine in a knot after weaving over and under each layer of fronds. Repeat to add an additional three layers of fronds. You will have a total of five layers.

5. Lay a sixth layer of fronds over the top of the five layers. Weave the fronds together with twine. Insert the ends of the fronds into the hole in the center of the thatching. Tie the ends with twine to secure them. Trim the ends of the layered fronds with pruning shears so that they are even all the way around.

6. Turn the knob on a wood patio umbrella counterclockwise to remove it. Push the top of the umbrella through the center of the thatching. Place the knob on top of the umbrella and turn it clockwise to tighten it.

7. Cut the fabric of the umbrella near the ribs. Use a utility knife to cut small slits that are 2 inches in length along the ribs near the top and bottom of each rib. Thread a piece of twine through the thatching. Wrap the twine around a rib and pull it tight. Tie to secure it. Repeat to secure the thatching to each rib on the umbrella.

8. Seal the cuts in the umbrella. Place silicone sealant over each slit to seal the cuts and prevent rain from seeping through the umbrella.

References

• The Callaloo Company: Thatch and Rain Capes
• Scott's Palapas: Palapa Construction